Joan Pelkey, 88, of Stevensville, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Hanson Hospice Center surrounded by her loving family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at 11am at Zion United Church of Christ, 9100 Third St., Baroda with Pastor Chris Noffke officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 4PM until 7PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan or Zion United Church of Christ. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Joan was born on May 26, 1929, to John & Martha (Bujack) Kronos in St. Joseph. She graduated from Stevensville High School. Joan and her husband Richard owned and operated R&D electric company for over 25 years. After they sold their business Joan and Richard went into real estate with Fister Better Homes for over 15 years. Joan was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ. She loved being independent, going shopping and taking her daily walks around Meijer. She found joy in her cat Princess, who was her constant companion. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family, the light of her life.
Joan is survived by her children, Connie (Kenneth) Conklin of St. Joseph, Cheryl Pelkey of Stevensville, Lynn (Daryl) Schlender of Stevensville, Kim (David) Fritz of Baroda, Terry (Sharna) Pelkey of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Karla (Tony) Heyn, Ken Conklin, Aaron (Robin) Johnson, Brett Schlender, Jared Schlender, Emily Fritz, Laura Fritz, Audra (Travis) Zelmer, Ryan Bush, Autumn (Brett) Gundersen, Meghan Pelkey and Anna Pelkey; ten great-grandchildren; and brother John Kronos of Stevensville.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years Richard Pelkey; daughter Karen Jo Pelkey-Hillegas; parents, John & Martha; and sister Mildred Peterson.